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Predicting every 2016 college football bowl game

By Cody Williams

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal): Washington vs. Alabama – Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET

What Chris Petersen has been able to do for this Washington Huskies program is undeniable. From bringing in an absolute stud quarterback in Jake Browning to lead the offense, to also molding talent like receiver John Ross and a defense full of NFL-level playmakers, this Huskies team is 100 percent legitimate. If not for running into a buzz saw in USC late in the season, they would be undefeated and rightfully so. And against any other team in the country in the CFP, I’d like their chances.

However, Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide are on a completely different level than any other team in college football. At every turn this season, especially after they got freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts settled into his role in the offense, they’ve been wholly dominant. Their offense with Hurts at the helm is more dynamic than ever before as he can beat teams with both his arm and his legs. As is often the case with Alabama, though, they begin and end with the best defense in the country. From Jonathan Allen to Tim Williams to Marlon Humphrey to Minkah Fitzpatrick, it’s a murderer’s row on that side of the ball for the Tide.

Because of Petersen’s presence on the sidelines and his proven ability to at least contend with superior competition in big games and with ample time to prepare, Washington may be able to keep it closer than expected. That said, the biggest weakness for the Huskies is their offensive line and the protection around Browning, something that showed up against USC. When you have Alabama’s Allen and Williams attacking that line all night, that’s a nightmare for Washington. Surprising no one, the Tide should move on handily to the title game.

Prediction: Washington: 24, Alabama: 45

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